Follows 16 pastry chefs tested on their core techniques, from laminated dough and pâte à choux to chocolate work and sugar artistry. Only one pastry chef will be named the Ultimate Baking Champion and win the $50,000 grand prize.
Cast: Jesse Palmer, Duff Goldman
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Season 1
9 episodes
- 1. Improvisation & Personal InspirationHost Jesse Palmer welcomes 16 of America's top pastry chefs to the most intense baking competition ever.NC16CC1 h 24 minMar 9, 2026
- 2. Modern MasterpiecesIn the skills challenge, host Jesse Palmer asks the 10 remaining chefs to reinvent a classic, recognizable dessert, such as strawberry shortcake or s'mores by giving it a modern, science-driven twist.NC16CC1 h 3 minMar 16, 2026
- 3. Pastry Cream ClassicsIn this single-challenge episode, host Jesse Palmer asks the nine chefs to face off in a decadent dessert showdown that tests their mastery of pastry cream.NC16CC42minMar 23, 2026
- 4. The Pastry ShopHost Jesse Palmer divides the eight remaining chefs into teams to craft exquisite laminated dough pastries worthy of display in a world-class patisserie case.NC16CC42minMar 30, 2026
- 5. InnovationThe seven remaining chefs must choose from a carousel of grab-and-go snacks, like cream-filled mini cakes, cheese crackers, honey buns, and peanut butter pretzels, to inspire their next creation.NC16CC42minApr 6, 2026
- 6. Mastery of ChocolateThe chefs have only one challenge to demonstrate their mastery of one of the most essential and temperamental mediums in pastry: chocolate.NC16CC42minApr 13, 2026
- 7. Mastery of SugarHost Jesse Palmer assigns each chef one of five elements -- earth, air, fire, water, or space. The competitors have three hours to design an extraordinary large-format dessert with a decorative sugar element and execute their creations, blending imagination with technical mastery.NC16CC42minApr 20, 2026
- 8. The Deep FreezeIn this semi-final episode, the remaining four chefs face the chilling master challenge first to create a "frozen world" cake.NC16CC42minApr 27, 2026
- 9. Drop the MicHost Jesse Palmer challenges the final three chefs to create a spectacular dessert display that showcases their overall skills. Each chef must deliver a theatrical experience that is inspired by one of three vibrant themes: Carnival, Las Vegas, or Rock Concert After-Party. Judges Duff Goldman, Shinmin Li, Jacques Torres, and Sherry Yard decide which chef will win $50,000 and be crowned the Ultimate Baking Champion.NC16CC42minMay 4, 2026
The Ultimate Baking Championship
★ 8.5/1020261 season9 episodesReturning Series
Follows 16 pastry chefs tested on their core techniques, from laminated dough and pâte à choux to chocolate work and sugar artistry. Only one pastry chef will be named the Ultimate Baking Champion and win the $50,000 grand prize.
Creators and cast
- Cast
- Jesse Palmer, Duff Goldman
